Brandon Lyon Is Phillies’ Top Priority?

ESPN's Jayson Stark writes of "indications" that reliever Brandon Lyon is the Phillies' top priority as they set about upgrading their bullpen. Lyon is a decent fit in that he is willing to work in an eighth or ninth-inning role. However, with a strikeout rate below 7.0 per nine innings the last several years, Lyon is not exactly dominant. Lyon is a Type B free agent who was offered arbitration, so the Tigers will get a supplemental draft pick if he signs elsewhere.

The Phillies have also been linked to J.J. Putz and John Smoltz in recent reports.